After being in business for nearly 70 years, we know that the best way to build a lasting legacy is through the people we hire and the teams we build. That means creating a strong internal culture where our team knows we care.
At Maxwell Roofing, the safety and well-being of our crews are always our top priorities, regardless of the season. Working under the scorching sun, surrounded by humidity, our roofing team faces many heat-related health risks, from heat stroke and dehydration to cramping and exhaustion. Here’s a closer look at the health risks and the policies we have in place to ensure our team is safe and healthy during the hot summer months.
Understanding Heat-Related Health Risks
Roofing employees face several heat-related health risks during the summer, including:
- Heat Stroke: A serious medical emergency where the body’s temperature regulation fails, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature. The symptoms are red, hot, dry skin, a rapid weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, and a change in consciousness.
- Heat Exhaustion: A serious condition with symptoms that include cool, moist, pale skin, headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion. If ignored, heat stroke may occur.
- Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms can be caused by excessive sweating and loss of salt. Heat cramps are often the first sign that your body is having difficulty functioning in the heat.
- Dehydration: Loss of body fluids through sweating, which can impair physical and mental performance.
- Sunburn: Damage to the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
In the event of heat-related emergencies, Maxwell Roofing has clear procedures in place, including the use of the Safety HQ Harness app, which provides the location of the nearest hospital, ensuring quick access to medical care. Our team is also trained to call 911 if they’re ever unsure about the severity of a heat-related illness or in the case of any emergency.
Core Safety Policies for High Temperatures
Our leadership team closely monitors the changing temperatures and doesn’t hesitate to adjust work schedules to protect our crews. We’ve also created the following safety policies:
- Work Hours Limitation: When temperatures are forecasted to exceed 95 degrees, workdays are limited to eight hours to reduce prolonged exposure.
- Shade and Rest Areas: Pop-up tents are set up to provide relief from the sun, allowing team members to cool down during breaks.
- Early Start Times: Work starts earlier in the day to avoid the peak heat hours, minimizing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Hydration Supplies: Water, ice, and coolers are provided to ensure that employees stay hydrated.
Training and Educational Programs
Proper training and education are essential for ensuring safety in extreme heat. The Maxwell team receives training on how to recognize the signs of heat stroke and the immediate actions to take if someone is affected.
We also host year-round safety discussions called Toolbox Talks. During the summer months, we put a special focus on heat risks and high-temperature safety practices, reinforcing the importance of staying hydrated and taking breaks.
Adherence to Safety Policies
To ensure all employees follow safety policies, we require daily safety reports that include a safety checklist which must be completed every day. Our superintendents also conduct weekly safety audits to ensure compliance with all safety measures.
At Maxwell Roofing, our team is our family, and their safety is our top priority. That commitment to our employees is reflected in the quality and care you’ll find in every project we’re a part of. Learn more about our team and discover the life-changing difference a career with Maxwell can make in your life.